Kurtz sworn in as mayor

by Erica Peterson

Jan. 2 organizational council meeting

It was standing room only in council chambers as Greg Kurtz was sworn in as mayor, Vern Blaze was sworn in as finance director, and Kenn Synek and Chris Walchanowicz joined Vice Mayor Dave Grendel, Kathleen Kapusta, Tom Narduzzi, Jim Trakas and Dale Veverka on Independence City Council.

Judge Jennifer Weiler swears in Vern Blaze as finance director.
Photo by E. Peterson

The mayor thanked the crowd for voting for him in November. Kurtz, who had been mayor for 22 years, could not run in 2015 due to term limits. “It’s such an honor and a humbling experience being here again to serve you,” he said.

Council approved several appointments for the new year, including retaining Clerk of Council Debi Beal for 2020-2021 and Law Director Greg O’Brien from Jan. 2-April 30. Council also approved the mayor’s appointment of William “Bud” Doyle as city prosecutor and Norman Casini as the city architect from 2020-2023.

From left, Councilmembers Jim Trakas, Chris Walchanowicz and Kathleen Kapusta, Clerk of Council Debi Beal, Mayor Greg Kurtz, Law Director Greg O’Brien, Vice Mayor David Grendel, and Councilmembers Tom Narduzzi, Dale Veverka and Kenn Synkek watch Vern Blaze’s swearing in. Photo by E. Peterson

As far as council committees, Grendel will chair the finance committee, Kapusta will chair community services, Narduzzi will chair safety/rules and ordinances, Synek will chair economic growth and development, Trakas will chair utilities and sewers, Veverka will chair streets and sidewalks, and Walchanowicz will chair public lands and buildings.

Grendel will be council’s representative on planning commission, Walchanowicz on the board of zoning appeals, Veverka on the beautification committee and Kapusta on the healthcare review committee. Council approved the following citizen appointments: Peter Nelson to the civil service commission from 2020-2025, Michael Barth to planning commission from 2020-2025, Pasquale Monteleone Jr. to the board of zoning appeals from 2020-2023 and Mark Moreal to the BZA from 2020-2025.

Featured image photo caption: Garfield Heights Municipal Judge Jennifer Weiler swears in Greg Kurtz as mayor. Kurtz’s wife Linda stands with him. Photo by E. Peterson